North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that weapons alone do not define military power, stressing that ideology and loyalty are key to strengthening the country’s armed forces, state media reported on Tuesday.
Speaking at Kim Il Sung University of Politics, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasised that weapons without ideology are merely "ironware", urging military officers to prioritise political and moral strength. His speech comes amid reports of heavy casualties among North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
Kim stated that the Korean People's Army (KPA) must aim to be the world’s strongest, but its true strength lies in political and ideological superiority over rivals. He praised the "matchless loyalty" of North Korean troops, highlighting their willingness to endure hardship for the country.
The university serves as a training ground for officers who play a crucial role in maintaining political control over North Korea’s 1 million-strong active-duty military.
While Kim did not mention the U.S. or South Korea directly, he has previously blamed the allies for rising regional tensions. Despite this, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to reach out to Kim, though North Korea has yet to formally acknowledge its military support for Russia.
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